The Ambassador of the United States to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, has publicly expressed her disappointment and concern following the recent approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-gay bill, by the Ghanaian Parliament.
The bill, which criminalizes and prohibits LGBT activities, has faced criticism from various quarters, including key figures like Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, the Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). In a Facebook post on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Ambassador Palmer conveyed her sadness regarding the bill’s approval.
She highlighted concerns about its potential harm to the nation’s economy, reputation, and public health and order. The bill stipulates penalties, including a 6-month to 3-year jail term for individuals engaged in LGBT activities and a 3 to 5-year jail term for promoters and sponsors of such activities.
Expressing her dismay, Ambassador Palmer emphasized that the bill not only infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBT community but also undermines the constitutional rights of all Ghanaians, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. She also raised concerns about the adverse effects of the bill on public order and health, arguing that its enactment could have negative consequences for Ghana’s international standing and economic well-being.
In her statement, Ambassador Palmer said, “I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT. The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press. It will be bad for public order and public health. If enacted, it will also hurt Ghana’s international reputation and Ghana’s economy.”
She also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and non-discrimination in fostering a strong and vibrant society, adding, “Lots of ethnic communities make Ghana strong, stable, and attractive for investments. I hope it stays that way with regard to the LGBTQ community. They should be managed to be made the colour of the money green or red if it’s Ghanaian, but if there is discrimination, then that will send a signal not to [only] LGBTQ investors and exporters but to other American companies that Ghana is less welcoming than I am telling people that it is now.”
Her comments reflect the concerns of many who fear that the bill could undermine the progress made in creating an inclusive and diverse society in Ghana.
Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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